The manager of the Swiss bar where 40 people died in a fire while ringing in the New Year was allegedly filmed fleeing with a till full of cash as the blaze took hold.

Jessica Moretti, 40, is accused of ignoring revellers as flames consumed Le Constellation in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, and making off with the evening's takings, Italy's La Repubblica news outlet claims.

She is already under investigation for manslaughter, as well as causing bodily harm to 119 others who suffered horrific burns as they celebrated in the Swiss Alps.

The bar manager, who is French, sustained a burn to one of her arms as the inferno tore through Le Constellation and France's Public newspaper questioned whether this had been 'sustained while she was retrieving the cash register'.

Dozens of people tried desperately to escape the venue, and pleaded for first aid, at the time she disappeared.

The fire is believed to have been caused as staff waved champagne bottles plugged with sparklers close to the ceiling.

Investigators believe it then rapidly developed into a 'flashover' - likely igniting much of the venue in seconds and rendering escape almost impossible.

Her husband Jacques Moretti, 49, owned the bar. Both are suspects in the criminal enquiry into the fire, although neither has been arrested. 

Jacques and Jessica Moretti who owned the Swiss ski bar, Le Constellation. Ms Moretti was allegedly filmed fleeing with a till as a fire which killed 40 New Year revellers took hold

A photo appears to show the moment champagne sparklers set fire to material on the ceiling of the Swiss nightclub

Investigators are examining whether the soundproof material used on the ceiling of the bar conformed to safety measures.

Former staff have also claimed that safety standards at the club were poor, alleging that fire extinguishers were kept under lock and key and that the bar's emergency exit was often locked.

Mr Moretti is believed to have not been at Le Constellation on the night of the fire, and instead left his wife in charge of the popular bar.

The Morettis, who were both born on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, took over the venue in 2015 and own a home nearby, as well as one on the French Riviera.

They were questioned by Swiss prosecutors on Friday.

They have indicated that they will open an enquiry into 'arson by negligence' and 'manslaughter by negligence' if 'criminal liability is established'. 

Mr Moretti has claimed his bar 'followed all safety regulations', despite being inspected only 'three times in ten years' by health and safety officials.